As associate editor of ForbesLife, I cover fashion, fine arts and philanthropy—mostly through an anthropological lens. Enroute to Forbes I spent a summer at NBC, produced a video for the Committee To Protect Journalists and briefly dabbled in fine art acquisitions. I also have a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Columbia University.

The 2013 Oscars Best-Dressed List

Youth, fashion relevance and likely-to-win Oscar standing. Armed with these credentials, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain collectively formed the trinity of it-actresses to dress for this year’s Oscars.

Arriving first, Chastain conjured golden era Hollywood in gilded Armani Prive and a combination of Deco diamond earrings and bracelet, courtesy Harry Winston. Chastain’s fitted trumpet silhouette resembled in shape last year’s Alexander McQueen selection (and Chastain’s debut at the Oscars), the difference being that this year’s number glimmered and danced for the cameras, something the last gown didn’t do.

As the face of Dior’s most recent Miss Dior campaign, Jennifer Lawrence’s choice of fashion house was all but confirmed post nomination. Plucked from the Dior Spring 2013 Couture runway, the Silver Linings Playbook actress chose a blush-colored drop-waist dress with exaggerated sections of flared fishtail skirt. Chopard bauble earrings and a reversed necklace worn down the back anchored the look from slipping into fairytale saccharine.

Then there was Anne Hathaway, who did not wear Valentino as had been forecasted by throngs of industry insiders, including Maison Valentino itself. Instead, Hathaway opted for a minimal ivory Prada sheath with open back and slim criss-cross straps. A string of diamond blossoms encircled Hathaway’s neck, complementing the breezy aspect of the actress’ short pixie hairstyle.

Beyond the Chastain-Lawrence-Hathaway trifecta, Reese Witherspoon found an elegant balance of glamour and modernity in a two-tone Louis Vuitton gown, while actress Kerry Washington imparted whimsy and a spot of color in a coral, bejeweled Miu Miu creation.

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